EX-STUDENT'S “ PRANKS ”

Evening Star, Issue 22383, 6 July 1936, Page 10

EX-STUDENT'S “ PRANKS ”

CRGY OF THEFT AMO CONVERSION v former capping day conviction RECALLED [Pm Tsim Priss Association.] AUCKLAND, July 6. V former Otago University student, ‘.Jlliam Lloyd Alexander (21), was liarged in the Police Court this, morn,ng with incurring a debit or at Christchurch on April 16 wth Albert George Parker and obtaining credit by fraud; the theft of £5 from the same man on May 22, and unlawfully converting a car valued at £2OO, the pronerty of the Gold Band Taxis, Christchurch ; also with obtaining credit by fraud from E. 0. Bennett, of Auckland, on June 22. He pleaded guilty. The police said Parker gave accused £5 to purchase eggs. 'lhe latter hired a car for the day, drove to Blenheim, left the car at a garage, flew to Wellington, and came to Auckland, where he obtained £4 by fraud He was . arrested on June 28, and it was, on'i’ then the taxi company knew that the car was at Blenheim. . ~, When arrested, the following letter, written in Christchurch to a relative in Oamaru. was found on him: 1 am about to commence breaking so many laws that I suppose it is inevitable I should be caught sooner or later. My intention is to steal a car, box, go for my life to Blenheim, wait box, go for my life to Blenheim, wait overnight for a plane to Wellington, and make as fast as I can to Auckland, where I shall probably think out a fresh villainy.” , Mr Moody made a strong plea tor Alexander not to he sent to prison. The whole trouble dated hack to 1964. when, as a Dental School student, aged 19, Alexander was fined £2 for taking a small quantity of benzine from a car. It whs a Capping Day prank, but apparently the magistrate did not extend the mercy frequently extended to other first offenders. _ Accused s brother had come from Wellington and was prepared to take him back if given an opportunity to rehabilitate himself. The Magistrate said it looked as it accused had embarked on a career of crime. ‘‘ If this is the result ot Capping Day celebrations, I think it should be a warning to others who let themselves go. on that day. I hope it "Will show you which way you ard heading. I will admit you to probation for two years and order you to make restitution of £3l to the taxi firm, £4 to Bennett, and £lO to Parker—a total of £45. I merely postpone sentence, which may be imposed later if your conduct is not satisfactory.”